Questions and Answers

Platinum is naturally white whereas white gold is artificially coloured by aping other metals and is also frequently rhodium plated. The plating can wear off, however, and the colour underneath is often not as white as that of platinum.

• Platinum is so rare that the price of the raw metal is invariably higher than gold
• Platinum jewellery is most often 95% pure compared to only 75% for 18 carat gold
• Platinum is denser than gold and weighs half as much again as 18 carat gold
• Platinum requires a higher level of craftmanship and requires great skill to work it 

All platinum jewellery must have a hallmark applied by the assay office and this is your guarantee that the jewellery is platinum. Look for the following marks:

• Jewellery is 85% pure platinum
• Jewellery is 90% pure platinum
• Jewellery is 95% pure platinum
• Jewellery is 99.9% pure platinum

Most platinum jewellery is 95% pure and may also bear this quality symbol.

Platinum jewellery is non-allergenic, comaptible with all skin types.

Over time platinum develops a natural patina, which many people find just as attractive as a polished finished, but this does not represent any material loss and platinum rings will not thin with age. It is still important to care for platinum jewellery however:

• Remove it when doing manual work
• Clean it from time to time using a soft brush in soapy water
• Dry using soft, clean, non-abrasive cloth
• Gently rub to maximise the shine
• Never use abrasive cleaners
• Store carefully in a safe place, separate from other items

If a polished finish is preferred your jeweller should be able to offer an inexpensive re-polishing service.

Extremely well, but signs of wear can sometimes appear on the gold because platinum is tougher. If you intend to do this it is worth considering choosing a design combining gold and platinum, with the gold in the part that will be in contact with your other ring.

If looked after properly it should not need to be repaired. Rings made in the 1920's are still being worn today. Sometimes, however, a ring might need to be sized, or maybe an accident has bent one of the claws. Platinum must be repaired by an expert so you should take it back to your jeweller who can arrange to have it skillfully and promptly repaired.

Platinum was used for decoration by both the ancient Egyptians and Inca civilisations and in modern times was the first material capable of holding diamonds in a delicate framework. This led to the creation of the beautiful art deco pieces of the 1920's that can be seen in museums today. Until it was declared vital to the war effort in the 1940's, nearly all engagement rings were made from platinum. It is only in the last few years, however, that it has begun to enjoy a renaissance as people have again begun to appreciate its subtle look and refined feel.

Classic design and quality never goes out of fashion. Neither will platinum.

Platinum represents excellent value for money. The price may be higher than similar items in gold but platinum is pure, rare, enduring, beautiful, luxurious, classic, and the perfect host for diamonds; precious qualities that make it worth paying that little bit extra for.